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Heads Up to Clinicians: On-line CME

Washington, DC – Concussion awareness among young athletes, parents, and coaches, is now impacting clinical practices as healthcare providers are called upon to manage and treat injured youth according to best practices defined by experts in concussion management. Gerard Gioia, PhD, Division Chief of Neuropsychology at Children’s National, is one of the co-authors of an online educational training, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that helps providers understand how best to care for young athletes.

Dr. Gioia is recognized internationally as a leader in raising awareness around youth concussions and its risks. He has been instrumental in advancing a legislative agenda that requires education of concussion and its risks, on-field recognition and removal of injured young athletes, and written clearance by a properly trained healthcare professional before they return to practice or play.

“We have advanced awareness in recognition and response by targeting young athletes, parents, and coaches,” said Dr. Gioia. “The next step is to engage clinicians by giving them the tools they need for appropriate, quality care. There are important protocols that pertain specifically to children and teens whose brains are still developing. It is essential that clinicians understand how care must be tailored to these young patients. Many myths persist, and this online training helps dispel them with evidence-based best practices."

Developed by the CDC with support from the National Football League and CDC Foundation, and in collaboration with leading experts such as Dr. Gioia, this online training prepares health care professionals to diagnose and manage concussions on the sidelines, in their office, training room, or in the emergency department, in order to help improve patient outcomes.

“Children's National will also soon have an application for clinicians who use tablets and smart phones in managing patient care,” continued Dr. Gioia. “This is a comprehensive effort using all tools imaginable with all audiences to raise awareness and change the culture of how young athletes are cared for if they sustain - or are suspected of sustaining - a concussion.

About Children’s National Health System

Children’s National Health System, based in Washington, DC, has been serving the nation’s children since 1870. Children’s National is Magnet® designated, and was ranked among the top 10 pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report 2015-16. Home to the Children’s Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National is one of the nation’s top NIH-funded pediatric institutions. With a community-based pediatric network, seven regional outpatient centers, an ambulatory surgery center, two emergency rooms, an acute care hospital, and collaborations throughout the region, Children’s National is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as an advocate for all children. For more information, visit ChildrensNational.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.